Pinophyta

Conifers are known scientifically as the Pinohyta. These plants are all seeds producing, cone bearing, vascular, woody plants that have scale like & needle like foliage. Cycads have fronds; Ginkgo & Gnetae both have simple “leaf” like foliage. Conifers were the first plants to develop wood & the formation of tree trunks. The family is diverse & is important for the timber producing trees that belong to it. These plants are found all over the world. Junipers, Cedars, Pines, Firs, Hemlocks, Redwoods, Larches, Spruces, & Yews are found predominately in the Northern Hemisphere. Kauris & Araucarias are found nearly exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. There are many conifers native to Southern California & many more can be grown here. Many of conifers native to our area come from higher, cooler, & moister mountain slopes. In the Mojave Desert there are Pinion Juniper woodlands above 4,000 feet. California Juniper (Juniperus californica) is found growing with Joshua Trees (Yucca brevifolia) below the area of the pines. Care has to be taken as many conifers come from cold snowy climates & are not recommended for low elevation or desert areas.